Center For Renhold (Cleaning Facilities Centre)

An underground car park below Hauser Plads has been converted into the new head office for Center for Renhold without ‘overshadowing’ the dense, mediaeval part of the city.

Center for Renhold's new accommodation is located in the heart
of Copenhagen surrounded by mediaeval buildings.

New Meeting Old in an Innovative Way

The classic challenge of harmonising new and old architecture
has, in this project, been solved by POLYFORM together with the
Dutch architects, Karres en Brands. The concept was a downward
rather than an upward construction. An old underground car park
below Hauser Plads has been converted into new, spacious offices
and storage facilities, which, despite covering a large area, do
not 'overshadow' the dense, mediaeval housing mass surrounding
it.

The reason for selecting this challenging location in Copenhagen
city centre is that a central location will achieve huge savings in
terms of time and resources, making the project both cost-effective
and sustainable.

Daylight in a Subterranean Building

All the primary functions of the house have been centred around
an open patio in order to make optimal use of the daylight.

The patio is shaped like an amoeba whose soft outline maximises
the building's daylight intake, thus ensuring that the rooms meet
the requirements set by the Working Environment Act with regard to
light intake and view. In the patio garden, diverse plants change
colour and texture throughout the seasons, and the paved area
provides an outdoor space for restful breaks as well as serving as
an outdoor workplace.

The building accommodates offices, a kitchen, a canteen, rest
rooms, and changing and shower facilities for staff. Additionally,
there are storage facilities for general equipment and access for
street-cleaning vehicles via the ramp from the former underground
car park.

By coordinating the functions and integrating the landscape, an
attractive office and a good working environment have been created
for around 100 daily users.

Playground at the top

Prior to commencing the construction work, Hauser Plads
contained a playground for local children. Although the square is
now occupied by Center for Renhold, there will still be room for
local children and visitors: a playground will be constructed on
top of the building with green and lush hills and water play.
Hauser Plads will be an oasis with room for both play and
relaxation.

The renovation of the underground car park and the design of the
new playground have been closely coordinated with the renewal of
Købmagergade and Kultorvet, which are undergoing a much needed
facelift. The design work for this is also undertaken by POLYFORM
Arkitekter. The goal is to create a coherent urban space from
Nørreport and all the way through the Copenhagen shopping areas to
Amagertorv.

Center For Renhold (Cleaning Facilities Centre)

Facts

An underground car park below Hauser Plads has been converted
into new, spacious offices and storage facilities without
'overshadowing' the dense, mediaeval town. An attractive office and
a good working environment have been created for around 100 daily
users.

Meet leading Danish and international architects and professionals, create potential networks and acquire important knowledge about the architectural, construction and innovative industries though seminars, publications and case studies.

Listen to Danish and international experts discuss their visions for sustainable urban development and find inspiration from cites throughout the world through case studies, interviews, seminars and professional master classes.

THE BEST VIEW OVER COPENHAGEN HARBOUR

UNIQUE LOCATION FOR MEETINGS AND
CONFERENCES

We provide professional conference facilities and you will have the
opportunity to visit our changing exhibitions, and enjoy a light
lunch or a cup of coffee and a cake in our café on the first
floor.

TEACHING ARCHITECTURE

We offer courses for different age groups in connection with
Danish Architecture Centre's temporary exhibitions. The activities
are suited to varying target groups depending on the type of
exhibition and wherever possible the courses include hands-on
activities for children. The courses can also be conducted in
English.